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Ulster Bank to close another nine branches around the country

Ulster Bank to close branches in Cork, Granard, Sligo, Clane and Dublin

Ulster Bank has confirmed it is to close nine branches around the country, including three sub offices.

The branches are in South Mall in Cork; Granard in Co Longford; Pearse Road in Sligo; Clane in Co Kildare and Kimmage and Inchicore in Dublin.

The three sub offices are in Clara in Co Offaly, Enfield in Co Meath and Lifford in Co Donegal.

Staff were told of the development this morning. The bank said there will be no job losses as a result.

The closures are part of an announcement made this time last year to reduce the number of branches from 214 to between 175 and 185. The bank currently has 199 branches.

Ulster Bank said it is closing the outlets due to changing consumer behaviour.

A spokesperson for the bank said that it will be contacting customers of these branches to inform them of alternative branch locations in their area and the range of banking services available on their mobiles, online and by telephone.

"We are also communicating directly with staff in those branches and there will be no additional job losses as a result of this announcement," the bank stated.

The Irish Bank Officials' Association said that despite reassurances, it is "concerned about the impact on the directly affected staff in terms of redeployment as well as the indirect effect on employment for others".